Australian Inquiry into South Korean Adoptions

0:00I'm Cory with the story, bringing you the latest from Sydney News today. The Australian federal government has started an inquiry into its role in adopting around 3,600 children from South Korea between 1964 and 1999. That program faced widespread corruption, fraud, and even child trafficking as uncovered by investigations there. Now, adoptees from other countries like Taiwan, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka are urging officials to expand the probe to cover similar issues in those. Adoptions from the 1970s onward. These inter-country adoptions boomed in Australia back then, but many involved fake paperwork and shady brokers. For instance, babies were sometimes stolen or sold, and Australian authorities often skipped proper checks on adoptive families or the kids' welfare. State governments handled family assessments while the fed's managed entry, leading to gaps in oversight. Adoptes today share painful stories of discovering their origins, were lies, enduring abuse

1:01from adoptive parents, or facing racism without cultural support. Some never learned the full truth, and others dealt with unprocessed adoptions that left them in legal limbo. A few have won court cases or government apologies for the failures. Recently, the Social Services Department launched the South Korean-focused review with Minister Tanya Plibersek calling past practices damaging button. According to today's systems are stronger. She hasn't committed to broadening it yet, though she left the door open for future looks at other programs. Frustrated adoptees worry they might pass away without answers, pushing for acknowledgement and healing. Support services exist for those affected, highlighting the long fight for recognition of these historical wrongs. Appreciation to our sponsor for backing this episode. Some chase peace, I put my head in it.